Become a Physical Therapist in Georgia

If you are interested in a career in physical therapy, consider becoming a licensed physical therapist in Georgia. The state has a number of resources available to help you learn more about the field. Here, you will find information about the profession, including how to become a physical therapist, the average salary in Georgia, and what it takes to be certified.

Become a licensed physical therapist in Georgia

If you’re interested in becoming a licensed physical therapist in Georgia, it’s important to learn the requirements for licensure. The first step is to apply for an examination and if you’re accepted, you’ll receive an NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam) certificate.

Applicants must pass at least one national licensing exam and a state law exam. They’ll need to provide a passing score to the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

Licensees must report CEU hours to the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy on odd-numbered renewal years. Odd-numbered licensees must also provide proof of continuing education and pay the fee.

Licensed physical therapists are required to complete at least thirty hours of continuing education every two years. At least four of those hours must be on ethics and jurisprudence. An acceptable four-hour course must include a review of Georgia rules and laws and an explanation of how to practice under those laws.

If you’re a foreign trained applicant, you’ll need to complete the NPTAE and a three-month traineeship approved by the Board. You’ll also need to pass the TOEFL and Georgia Law Exam.

Become a board-certified clinical specialist

If you’re interested in building a career in physical therapy in Georgia, you can become a board-certified clinical specialist. This certification shows a commitment to your profession and helps you lead your field. Becoming a board-certified specialist opens the door to new job opportunities. In addition, your expertise can help patients get better, which leads to better health outcomes.

You can become a specialist in one of 10 specialty areas. Some of these include sports, orthopedics, pediatrics, and women’s health. Each area has its own unique qualifications. However, they all have one thing in common: the advancement of the physical therapy profession.

A physical therapist in Georgia can work in a variety of settings, including a clinic, a hospital, or a school. They help patients recover from injuries and develop a healthy, active lifestyle. They are able to provide screening services, treatment plans, and wellness care.

Becoming a board-certified specialist requires time and dedication. You’ll also need to take the National Physical Therapy Licensure Examination, which is a standardized test that evaluates your readiness. Failure to pass the exam three times means that you’ll not be able to practice in the state of Georgia.

Work in a variety of settings

One of the best parts of working as a physical therapist in Georgia is the variety of settings one is exposed to. For instance, one could choose to work for a large hospital or a small private clinic. You can also choose to specialize in a particular area of practice. Some of the more glamorous jobs are in sports medicine and outpatient therapy. Of course, one must also consider the competition, such as other professions like paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Considering this, it’s not surprising that a physical therapist in Georgia has a job security quotient similar to that of an ems officer. Fortunately, the state does have a robust regulatory environment which has helped to make the state a safe place to work. The state also boasts a smattering of highly trained practitioners in the field. Lastly, the state has an attractive tax structure, if you are able to get your foot in the door.

Average salary in Georgia

Physical Therapists in Georgia earn an average salary of $88,950 per year. That is $1,413 more than the national average. However, their pay can vary considerably by location.

Most physical therapists work in hospitals. They treat patients with acute injuries and chronic conditions. Some physical therapists also own their own practices. These individuals typically earn higher salaries than those who work in hospitals.

The physical therapy profession is a growing field. It is in demand and is projected to grow 35 percent by 2028. A career in physical therapy can lead to many different specializations and opportunities. For example, some physical therapists focus on home-care, pediatrics, sports medicine, and palliative care.

Depending on your level of experience, your physical therapist salary can range from $56,320 to $124,640. In addition to an average physical therapist salary, they can expect to receive paid time off and health insurance.

When looking at the cost of living in Georgia, the metro Atlanta area is one of the cheapest. In fact, it ranks first in quality of life for sport physical therapists.